Stop Crushing Cans: The Right Way to Recycle Metal Without Ruining It
Recycling metal cans seems straightforward, right? Toss it in the bin, and you’re done. But here’s the thing: small mistakes, like not rinsing your cans or crushing them, can mess up the recycling process and even contaminate an entire batch. No one wants their good intentions to go to waste, so let’s talk about how to do it the right way.
Metal recycling is a big deal. Did you know more than 90% of steel products can be recycled? That’s huge! Plus, since metals are nonrenewable resources (once they’re gone, they’re gone), every can recycled properly helps keep the planet a little greener. Here’s how to make sure your cans are contributing to the solution, not the problem.
Which Metal Cans Can Be Recycled?
Pretty much all metal cans are fair game. Think soda cans, beer cans (yes, including the tabs), canned food containers, aerosol cans, and even paint cans. If it’s metal, there’s a good chance it’s recyclable.
But before you start chucking everything into the bin, double-check with your local recycling center. Some places have specific guidelines about what they accept, so it’s always better to know for sure.
The Secret to Recycling Cans the Right Way
Here’s one of the biggest mistakes people make: recycling dirty cans. It might seem harmless to toss a can with a little soda or soup left inside, but those remnants can ruin an entire batch of recyclables. Yup, one dirty can can cause a big headache.
Instead, give your cans a quick rinse before recycling them. You don’t need to scrub them spotless, but a little rinse goes a long way. If your recycling center requires you to remove the paper labels, take care of that while you’re at it.
What About the Lids?
Lids can be tricky. For canned goods, make sure to remove the lid completely. After rinsing the can, you can toss the lid inside the can to keep it secure during processing.
Aerosol cans are a bit different. Those plastic caps on top? They need to go with your plastic recyclables. Just pop the cap off before adding the can to your bin.
A Few More Tips
If you’re dealing with aerosol cans, don’t try to puncture them to get rid of leftover product—it’s dangerous and unnecessary. And for paint cans, make sure the paint is completely dry or cleaned out before recycling. If you’ve got leftover paint or other hazardous waste, look for a local drop-off center that can handle it properly.
And here’s a fun fact you might not know: don’t crush aluminum cans before recycling them. I know, it feels satisfying to flatten them, but crushed cans can confuse sorting machines, making them harder to process.
